Comments

I seriously considered both cars prior to opting for the cheap alternative of a Honda S2000 in November 2001.

Of the deals you have been offered, I'd be tempted to go with the M3. Although it's less of a discount over invoice, I haven't heard of hardly any discounting on the M3, period. And they appear to be holding their value extremely well. The Boxster S, on the other hand, has been dropping considerably in resale value. I have seen 2001's with low milage, mint condition offered for sale in the high $30's here in the DC area. A friend looked at a 2002 with 5,600 miles for $41,900 ($60k+ sticker). And, frankly, while I think the Boxster S is an exceptional car, I didn't think it was worth $25k+ (new) over the S2000 in performance or amenities. Not to mention that my "fun" car needs to be low maintenance and high reliability. The M3 is more versitile and, although perhaps not quite the sharp edged handler of the smaller roadsters, has enormous power to spare.

I think Porsche has been forced into discounting the Boxsters because of slack demand and overinflated MSRP's, especially with their "the steering wheel is optional" approach to options. I am not sure why a BMW dealer would need to discount the M3.

Is the M3 deal for a new car ordered to your specifications, or one that is sitting on the showroom floor? If it's the former, I wouldn't mind that deal if you decide not to take it.

Somebody ordered the M3 but backed out so its still sitting at the dealer. I'm not so sure about the SMG feature. I'm also considering TipS so that my better half can drive it once in a while. I can't compromise too much with a S2000 (by the way a great car!) when considering a non-manual driver. The flood of base Boxster inventory is pretty serious and as low as $48k for a brand new 03 so my thinking is that a new Boxster S with nice options (albeit eventually worthless)can be had at 1k-2k over invoice isn't too bad.

MSRP could be a thing of the past if the economy keeps slipping downward and in light of war. With gas prices reaching $4/gal here, people will drive less (especially gas-guzzling sports cars). Reasons I've not looked into used Boxster S are: glass rear window and minor mechanical improvements to the 03s. The dealer I'm speaking with is firm at $1150 over invoice and stated that "its the cheapest S he's ever sold." We'll see I guess.

Not to repeat myself, but if you intend to keep a Boxster S for a long time and don't care about resale, a new 2003 at $1,150 over invoice might be a good deal. But, based upon my previous analysis on my purchase decision, the $55-60k Boxster S will depreciate $20k in the next 2 years. You can bank on that.

There is a loaded 2002 911 C2 Cabriolet with 6,500 miles advertised in today's Washington Post for $73k (purportedly stickered for $90k+ new). I'm guessing the (private) owner would accept something in the high $60's, since they are also advertising a CLK430 convertible for sale. If you can afford an extra $10k, a near-new 911 convertible would be a better 2-3 year investment than a Boxster S, IMO.

But again, if your heart is into a new Boxster S and you are going to keep it long enough where resale isn't an issue, cut the best deal you can.

2500/1000 over invoice are great prices, based on what i've encountered in my shopping. where are these dealers? best i've come across (although i've primarily focused on used cars) is $1k off msrp on either the boxster S or the M3.

the new boxster will take a depreciation hit, but for $1K over invoice it may not be too bad a way to go. you get the glass rear window, spec the car the way you want it, full warranty, and you KNOW the history of the car.

the SMG is really unique but from what i can tell it is not suited for everyone. it does not operate exactly like a "regular" auto in auto mode, for example because it does not have a torque converter.

they offered me a 2003 Boxster S DEMO (2950 miles) at $5000 off MSRP, before I even opened my mouth to start negotiating. But they really weren't budging from there. I still had a few months in my current lease, and I would have to roll 6 months of payments into this car. Lease payments would be too high. Residuals also were awful. 53% for 39 months. Pretty dismal for Miami.

"The elapsed time for the Civic's standing-start three-lap run &#151; 7:02.570 &#151; was more than a minute and a half slower than the time posted by the session's quickest (more on that in a minute), but it was nevertheless good enough to beat a pair of Porsche Boxsters, among others."

This was a hybrid, didn't get any more info, just found it 'interesting'

Can you drop the top on a sunny day in the Civic? Does it feel balanced or transmit the road through the steering wheel? Gimme a break with the ';o)'...I don't own a Boxster S, but I sure as heck know I'd rather own it than any Civic.

Besides, I'd like to verify this claim about the Hybrid. Hybrids per se tend to have tiny engines that compete for weight with the batteries.

I loved my red Boxster "S" , it had the looks and performance, could put the top down and could carry some items after shopping. I could not sell it by myself in the SF Chronicle, Diablo Dealer or craigslist. Asking $40K for 2000 with 9000 miles. Finally Camissa Motors took it on consignment and sold it in 3 days for full price(minus $2000 commision) Well worth it, but surprised that resale value was low. The hot cars are red or yellow 6spd manuals.

I sold the boxster because we are a family of 4 and could not all fit. If I were single no kids, I'd stay with Boxster. Now I prefer the M3 for the space , performance, value. But definitely try both before you pass judgment. A lot of people give opinions without really knowing anything about the subject.

After thinking I was in the market for a late model Boxster, I drove away today in a new 2003 Boxster S! Having some 2nd guesses right now but those are alieved every time I sit in the car. What a beauty. I got $4500 off sticker($2500 above invoice per kbb) but probably could've negotiated a better deal but in the scheme of life - what's $1000? Right? Looking for some moral support here! Anyway, I'll be keeping this car for atleast 5 years!

Well, the S is a pricey car that's true but I think that unlike some cars that do not age so well with styling and wear and tear, the Boxster works well for people such as you who keep a car for a while.

Also, since we generally have to live with the new cars we buy for a while, it's important not too compromise too much. My experience has always been that if you really love your car you forgive lots of things and enjoy the good parts, but if you are lukewarm you become very critical and annoyed when there are problems or when the cupholder is in the wrong place, etc.

My favorite parts about a Boxster (aside from its competence on the road) are the styling, which I think is the best looking of all the two seaters at that price range or below, and the Porsche heritage and prestige. True, you can't "take that to the bank" but there are lots of juicy things in life that are not bankable IMO.

If you are looking for moral support I am willing to help you, you only live once, right?How much is satisfaction and pleasure worth? A dollar? A million? A .. what? Who knows, this life can be pretty crappy sometimes, if you were able to acquire a new S enjoy every moment, take it to the countryside, find you some nice hilly curvy roads, savor every mile, get some fresh air on weekends, tomorrow nothing is promised to you, play hard and above all work harder and be smart and you make up for it, how about that!.All that Mr Shiftright said is very true, especially the last sentence.

The guilt has mostly dissipated...thanks goodness. Now a second wave is hitting me as I'm trying to find full coverage insurance - being a single male with one claim in 2002 isn't helping. Surprisingly AllState has been the best with $2180/yr so I guess I'm heading that way. Anyway, I have my delivery appt tomorrow for them to officially prep the car and go over all the bells & whistles with me. The car came with the 17" Boxster S II wheels which are fine but I really like the Light Carrera 18" wheels - easier to see the red calipers and make the car appear even more sporty(if possible). I'm sure the dealer would just charge me the difference for the upgrade(~$1300), anybody think it's worth it? Anybody had good or bad experiences with those 18's?

17 are good enough, you want some rubber to cushion, there is point when too much is too much, personally I think this new wheels in vogue today don&#146;t look good, reminds me of a Conestoga wagon wheel, all spokes and no rubber and gives the impression of not being much substance to the wheels, just an opposing view.

You can always change your wheels, give you some time, why not instead invest a small fraction of that and buy you some good waxes, leather conditioner, clay bar etc.

When the Boxster first came out in '97 (I believe), I wasn't a big fan of it. Admittedly I never drove one and still haven't to this day. Obviously driving this car is what all the fuss (and fun) is about. Most every Boxster I see is either Silver/Black or Dark Blue/Beige with the dreaded (for me anyway) Tiptronic Transmission.

The Boxster S came out and the minor styling cues seemed to appeal more and more to me. When I started to see the '03 changes with the revised front fascia along with the Red Brake Calipers & Twin Outlet Exhaust, I really started to put the Boxster S on my wishlist:)

Make mine Speed Yellow with a black top, black interior, and of course, a 6 speed.

I'm sure a lot of people bought the Boxster in the beginning because it was an "entry level" Porsche. There are some genuine Boxster enthusiasts out there who love the fact that their car is light and extremely well balanced. Couple the excellent driving dynamics with a handsome exterior and the fact that it is indeed a true Porsche and I may have found a great car to but and hold on to for the long run.

I'm probably a good 5-7 years away (maybe sooner, you onloy go around once) from buying a Boxster S, but I'm sure Porsche will continue to make evolutionary changes to this great car.

Glad to hear you are enjoying it . We loved the car, and my kids loved to move the top . What shifty and thor8 said was 100 percent supported by me. You have an awesome vehicle and toy that you can use to go from point A to B. I'd rather be in the Boxster rather than the Yugo. As for wheels, they may not feel much different in ordinary driving. 17 " may even cushion some bumps, while still providing lateral Gs of 0.94.

Bought it new and have not regretted it at all. Great fun and more reliable than I had hoped. 18" carrera style wheels, silver with black int. and heated seats/lumbar support. Great machine!Lots of cargo room for average number of errands. Great gas mileage on the highway and very, very quick.

Only one gripe which Porsche has since rectified...plastic rear window...hell in the rain.

Well after 6 wks of ownership of my new '03S, my face is starting to hurt from the ear to ear grin I can't seem to get rid of. I decided to get the 18" carerra wheels, add the nonsmoker pkg, and replace the amber turn signals with clears. Thanks to all for the initial support and help; I have never owned a car before where I get excited just going to the store! Just yesterday I drove 25 minutes to pick up a pizza when there was another pizza store around the corner from my house. My significant other thinks I'm crazy; she just doesn' understand.

TO all those on the fence, JUMP and go for it.....especially with all the discounts on the '03s now.

Hello.everyone,Will welcome some feedback re installing a hardtop. My Boxster S 02 is great but is a hassle with the plastic window at the back. Demands frequent cleaning. Got a quote of 3200. for hardtop purchase only. What do you think? Worth it?

For the reason you state (difficult to clean plastic window), I say not worth it. With the hardtop, you have to take it off every time you want a top-down experience. Now, for cold, winter driving, that's different...would be a useful option.

If you're leaning towards a coupe, have you considered trading in your S for a 996? Or an 03 Boxster S, which has the glass rear window?

I think you need a better reason than frequent cleaning of the plastic window to justify $3,200 and the problem of installing/removing/storage. It doesn't seem worth it for just that problem, at least not to me, if you don't mind my saying.